A fascinating breed with deep roots in Slovenia is the Kraška Shepherd Dog. This dog has been a beloved companion for shepherds and farmers in the area for centuries, earning recognition for its remarkable appearance and strong work ethic. Slovenian culture is deeply ingrained with its history and heritage, contributing to the breed’s abundance of customs and sense of pride.
Beyond being a diligent breed, the Kraška Shepherd Dog is also characterized by its strong physique and devoted nature. It is a loyal companion and guardian, renowned for its wisdom and adaptability. This breed is charming and dependable, making them ideal for any home, whether they are used for herding cattle or are just a loving family pet.
In this piece, we will delve into the particular characteristics of the Kraška Shepherd Dog, examining what sets it apart and the reasons it keeps winning people over. We will cover all the information you require about this exceptional breed, from its physical attributes to its place in contemporary society.
Feature | Description |
Origin | Slovenia |
Size | Medium |
Coat | Short, dense |
Color | Black, grey, brown |
Temperament | Intelligent, loyal |
Training | Highly trainable |
Exercise Needs | High |
Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
Common Health Issues | Hip dysplasia, eye problems |
- General characteristics of the breed
- Pros
- Cons
- History of origin
- Description of appearance
- Character traits
- How to buy a Karst Shepherd puppy
- Video on the topic
- Shepherd-karateka!😂Shepherd-karateka!
- Carpathian Shepherd
- LORDIK in a NEW HOME…AT MY OWN RISK I LET HIM GO TO THE FIELD…DOGS RUSHED AT THE LORD… #grafbalas
- Important case of the shepherd Rex. The old man of the animal shelter Sirius in the Kyiv region. #shepherd
- Krashskaya Shepherd
- Krashskaya Shepherd
General characteristics of the breed
Shepherd Kraška Dogs are an uncommon breed of native dogs. Despite being a member of the molosser group, the breed was originally used as a shepherd, hence the word "shepherd" in the breed name. Because it resided close to the Karst Mountains, this shepherd was given the name Kraška. Shepherds known by less common names include "Krajska," "Karst," or "Istrian."
Parameters | Characteristics |
---|---|
name of the breed | Kraška Shepherd Dog (Slovenian. kraški ovčar) |
country | Slovenia |
breed group | pinschers and schnauzers, molossers, mountain and Swiss cattle dogs |
use | shepherd, guard, companion |
life expectancy | 11-14 years |
height | males 57-63 cm, females 54-60 cm |
weight | males 30-42 kg, females 25-37 kg |
Pros
This dog is strong, self-assured, and diligent in his work. can work well as a companion, bodyguard, or guard. It offers the following benefits:
- friendly, devoted;
- cheerful, playful;
- reliable, responsible;
- loves children;
- unpretentious, does not require serious care.
Cons
Beginners and people who can’t focus on a dog shouldn’t choose this breed. There is depth to this shepherd’s personality. The following drawbacks are worth mentioning:
- stubbornness, independence;
- tendency to dominate;
- can be aggressive towards strangers and animals;
- difficult to train;
- not suitable for keeping in the house.
A distinctive and adaptable breed, the Kraška Shepherd Dog is renowned for its exceptional herding skills and steadfast, devoted disposition. This dog, which is native to Slovenia’s mountainous areas, is highly prized for its protective instincts, intelligence, and agility, making it a great partner for both the workplace and the home. A devoted and affectionate companion, the Kraška Shepherd Dog is also an expert livestock guardian thanks to its remarkable stamina and flexible nature.
History of origin
The history of the Karst Shepherd’s genesis is largely unknown. One account claims that it arrived in Slovenian territory when the Illyrians were migrating there. lived close to a person, adapted to mountainous terrain, and fed cattle.
These dogs were first mentioned in writing in the seventeenth century. They were later referred to as Illyrian Shepherds. The breed was only officially recognized in 1939. Then, taller shepherds from the Shar-Planina Mountains region and shorter shepherds from other regions were categorized as shepherds. The breed was split into Karst and Sharplanina Shepherds in 1968.
These two are distinct breeds now. They started to develop independently after the standard was changed. However, based on the photos, they still have a fairly similar appearance. A rare dog breed these days is the Karst Shepherd. It is considered a national treasure in Slovenia. In their native country, there are about 1,000 registered individuals; outside of that, the breed is hardly known and seldom encountered.
Description of appearance
These dogs have a rectangular body type and a harmonious build. Male Karst Shepherds can grow to a height of 63 cm and weigh between 40 and 42 kg, which is slightly above average. Females fold more gracefully and are slightly smaller. These canines have the following physical characteristics, per the standard:
- The head of a cone -shaped shape, the skull is wide, rounded;
- Stop and oversonal arcs are weak;
- The muzzle is elongated, taps to the nose, the lobe is large, black;
- The lips are fleshy, tightly adjacent, a scissor bite;
- Medium -sized ears, triangular, hanging, are set high;
- The eyes are oval, widely planted, the color of the iris is brown;
- The chest is deep, the ribs are long, the stomach is moderately selected;
- The back is straight, the lower back is raised, the cereal is sloping;
- The tail is saber -shaped, thick at the base, well published by wool;
- The limbs are muscular, even, set in parallel;
- fingers are collected, the pads are dense, the paws are adapted for movement in mountainous areas;
- The coat is double, long – up to 10 cm, the undercoat is very thick and dense;
- the coat is straight, on the head and the limbs are shorter, on the thighs it forms “pants”, on the tail there are feathers, on the neck there is a collar;
- color black and gray, dark back, mask on the muzzle.
Photos add context to the appearance description:
Character traits
Krashcheva The shepherd is self-sufficient, resilient, and performs its tasks flawlessly. Protecting the flock, entrusted property, the owner, and family members is its primary responsibility. This shepherd may appear sluggish and uninterested, in contrast to other shepherds and security dogs. She enjoys scaling higher and observing everyone. However, she leaves her spot in an emergency and runs to save her charges. faces off against any foe with courage.
These dogs look after and guard children, they love to play with them. They are loyal to their owner and can be made submissive with the correct handling. If they were raised together, they get along with animals. She can be aggressive, though, and will defend "her own" from other dogs and cats. They can be aggressive and are cautious around strangers. However, they never launch an initial attack.
Istrian Shepherds can be obstinate and are self-sufficient and independent. In particular, the men have a tendency to rule. Such a dog can only be controlled by a strong-willed, self-assured owner. However, one must maintain a respectful demeanor as these shepherds do not accept rudeness or coercion. When trained properly, they become submissive; however, they only follow orders that they deem essential.
An apartment in the city is not a good place to keep a Karst Shepherd. Both physical activity and space are necessary. It is preferable to store it in a private home on a sizable lot. If it resides in an aviary, it should be roomy; it is not advisable to put it on a chain. You must walk your pet twice a day, regardless of the method you choose, to ensure that it experiences new things. A minimum of two hours should elapse during the walk if the dog is housebroken.
This shepherd is modest in appearance, and even with its long, thick wool, it requires little maintenance. It is necessary to practice good hygiene on a regular basis:
- comb the coat with a comb and brush every 3 days;
- during shedding, combing should be done daily, then the coat will get rid of fallen hair faster;
- you shouldn"t bathe it often, 3-4 times a year is enough, the coat has the ability to self-clean;
- wipe the ears and eyes with special lotions once a week;
- trim the claws as they grow.
Feeding this dog natural food is advised. Meat should make up no less than 70% of the diet. It is combined with oatmeal. Giving fruits, vegetables, boiled eggs, and kefir is beneficial. Supplements with vitamins are also required. Should the owner choose to give the dog dry food, it ought to be of the highest caliber and premium class. It must be noted that this is "for active dogs of large breeds."
The health of these shepherds is good. They hardly ever get sick because they are used to difficult circumstances. However, the large breeds’ life expectancy is the same as theirs. Common illnesses like gastric torsion, allergies, joint dysplasia, and eye conditions can occasionally be encountered.
How to buy a Karst Shepherd puppy
Outside of Slovenia, Krast Shepherd dogs are practically nonexistent. This breed is not bred in any kennels in Russia. In order to purchase a puppy, you must get in touch with Slovenia. These dogs typically cost between 400 and 500 euros.
Puppies between two and three months old are sold. You must review the paperwork, parent’s certificates, and veterinary certifications. It is imperative that the puppies receive all required vaccinations and medical care.
The image depicts how the puppies ought to appear:
The remarkable appearance and remarkable working ability of the Kraška Shepherd Dog make it stand out. This breed, which originated in Slovenia, represents strength and endurance, was originally bred to protect livestock in the country’s rough terrain. They are great companions for active families or individuals who can give them the exercise and stimulation they require, thanks to their unique coat and alert temperament.
The loyalty of the Kraška Shepherd Dog is one of its most endearing characteristics. These dogs are renowned for their protective tendencies and for creating close relationships with their families. To make sure they are well-adjusted and manageable, they do need regular training and socialization. They are reasonably easy to train because of their intelligence and desire to please, but they do best with an owner who is aware of the particular requirements of the breed.
All things considered, the Kraška Shepherd Dog is a loyal and adaptable breed that, given their physical and mental needs being satisfied, can thrive in a variety of environments. They are an excellent option for people who are prepared to interact with a lively and devoted dog friend because of their unique blend of intelligence, strength, and beauty.